Is Belton or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Belton is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 35/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,207 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 45% lower. Belton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Belton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 101.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Belton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Belton, MO
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Belton | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,206.6 | 4,012.2 | -1,805.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 333.9 | 539.9 | -206.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 17.5 | -17.5 |
| Rape Rate | 76.8 | 58.8 | +18.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.1 | 335.3 | -289.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 211.1 | 128.3 | +82.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,872.8 | 3,472.4 | -1,599.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.3 | 294.8 | -206.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,592.6 | 2,318.8 | -726.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 191.9 | 858.9 | -667.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belton or Chicago safer?
Belton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,207 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Belton has a violent crime rate of 333.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Belton has lower violent crime.
About Belton, MO
Belton, Missouri, a city in Cass County, grew with the arrival of the Kansas City Southern Railway. It's home to roughly 24,000 residents, situated south of Kansas City. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 26,058, Belton has a total crime rate of 2,206.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.